Frequently Asked Questions
About the Parade
It varies from year to year, but as many as 100 boats of all sizes, shapes and colors make up the parade. Everything from kayaks to over 100-foot super-yachts participate each year.
The parade is organized by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Commodores Club, one of its five councils. Chamber staff and volunteers put in many hours planning and executing the parade for the enjoyment of its almost one million viewers.
2024 marks the 116th year for the parade, making it one of the oldest running holiday traditions in the country.
Yes! All registered boats and homes are eligible to compete for a number of awards from most humorous to best theme presentation, and more. All winners are invited to an annual Awards event.
Viewing
The 2024 parade will run Wednesday, December 18 through Sunday, December 22, 2024. The parade starts at 6:30 pm each evening off of Lido Isle, with the parade ending at approximately 9:00 pm. A complete site map with times the parade passes various points is on the VIEWING page of this web site.
Please visit the VIEWING page.
Yes, our local boat charters offer all types of cruises during the parade, including dinner and dancing cruises, or simple viewing cruises. Be sure to book early, though, as these cruises fill up fast. Visit the Viewing page of this web site to download a list of boat charters.
Yes! There are many restaurants on the parade route. However, book your reservations early, as they tend to fill up quickly. Visit the VIEWING page of this web site for more information, or call (949) 729-4400.
No. The parade is FREE for the community and tourists to enjoy. However, a great way to see the parade is aboard a boat charter or in a waterfront restaurant. Visit the VIEWING page for referrals.
What if it rains?The parade will run rain or shine. However, in the interest of safety, upon the issuance of a small watercraft advisory notice from the Coast Guard, the parade would be cancelled for that evening. This decision will be made at 6:00 pm each evening. A message will be posted on the web site at christmasboatparade-staging.jzlsq0-liquidwebsites.com in the extremely rare case of the parade being cancelled.
ENTERING
Yes! Just visit www.newportbeach.com, click on the “Find a Business” section and look up caterers. You will find dozens of Member caterers ready to serve your needs.
You can register online or download the form on the ENTER page of this site. You can also call (949) 729-4400. Cost to enter is just $35. You will recieve official numbers and will be eligible for the many awards that will be presented.
You can register online or download the form on the ENTER page of this site. You can also call (949) 729-4400. Cost to enter is just $35.
Yes. In order for parade control to operate smoothly, your boat needs to be registered to be part of the parade. Participants receive official numbers and order and will be eligible for the many awards that will be presented. Even if you cannot participate all nights of the parade, registration is still required.
While we want you to participate as many nights as you can, you are welcome to participate as many nights as you are able. We know the holidays are a busy time. Even if you can only participate a few nights, we want you to register and join us on the water!